Kayoko Colston, Assoc CIPD
Landbeach,Cambridge
Summary
Knowledgeable about language nuances and cultural context. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, both in English and Japanese, with experience in multi-cultural work environments. HR experiences in offices in UK and Japan. A dedicated team player, driven to deliver high-quality service and consistent results, adept at multi-tasking and resourceful to complete tasks.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Freelance Translator
Freelance
2023.09 - 2025.01
- Translated an autobiography written in Japanese to English.
HR Shared Service Specialist
Abcam Plc
2019.04 - 2023.08
- Resolved high-volume HR queries (150 per month) in timely manner.
- Carried out Onboarding, Offboarding, and inductions to new starters.
- Set up and maintained employee records on HR system by adhering to company policies and GDPR requirements.
- Worked closely with wider HR teams (TA/TD on recruitment, contracts, and learning module system, OG on roles and capabilities, Payroll on salary payment, Rewards on benefits, HR Advisors on ER cases and work visa, and HRBPs on reorganisation and job changes) to deliver high standard of service to employees.
- Acted as point of contact for HR in Tokyo office, worked effectively with external payroll company in Tokyo from UK, and acted as interpreter for CEO during Town Hall meetings to ensure business goals were met.
- Took part in cross-functional HR projects to improve Employee Experience (i.e., introduction of SmartRecruiter, Interview Tool Kit for Managers, Learning Module System, Global maternity and paternity leave policy, flexible holiday policy, company share scheme, etc.)
- Assisted with HR audit to ensure team's compliance.
- Created SOP documents and provided training to junior members of team to ensure consistent standard of work.
Shared Service Centre Interaction Centre Specialist (maternity cover)
Carl Zeiss Microscopy Ltd
2018.08 - 2019.03
- Checked configuration of electron microscopy and loaded orders on SAP system for production.
- Carried out End User Checks and applied for Export License.
- Performed margin analysis for Finance team.
- Took part in process improvement projects with teams in Germany.
Community Relations Specialist
Kadena Air Base Public Affairs Office
2000.06 - 2005.07
- Dealt with queries and complaints from local residents, and liaised with local government officials.
- Acted as interpreter during meetings between USAF commanders and local government officials.
- Translated various documents including press releases, memorandums, newspaper articles from Japanese to English, and vice versa.
- Carried out base tours and organised successful cultural exchange events to build strong relationships between base and local communities.
- Maintained database of queries and official responses.
Administrator/Research Assistant
NHK Okinawa G8 Summit Office
1999.10 - 2000.06
- Provided administrative support to journalists.
- Assisted production of weekly TV programme.
Office Manager
Volvo US Military Sales Okinawa
1996.08 - 1997.08
- Ensured smooth day-to-day operations with diligent oversight of office tasks.
- Assisted company registration at Legal Affairs Bureau.
- Organised filing systems and maintained documents in alignment with company policies and data security protocols.
- Processed invoices and purchase orders with high attention to detail, and assisted external accounting firm with company's tax return.
- Assisted General Manager and sales team, and worked closely with with factory in Sweden to ensure accurate orders.
Education
MA - Asia Pacific Studies
University of Leeds
1998.09 - 1999.09
MA - Development Studies
University of Leeds
1997.09 - 1998.09
BA - International Studies
Wichita State University
1992.08 - 1996.05
High School Diploma -
Hiroshima San-iku Gakuin High School
1988.04 - 1991.03
Skills
- CIDP Level 5 Certificate in Human Resource Management
- Good IT skills
Languages
English
Fluent
Japanese
Native
Timeline
Freelance Translator
Freelance
2023.09 - 2025.01
HR Shared Service Specialist
Abcam Plc
2019.04 - 2023.08
Shared Service Centre Interaction Centre Specialist (maternity cover)
Carl Zeiss Microscopy Ltd
2018.08 - 2019.03
Community Relations Specialist
Kadena Air Base Public Affairs Office
2000.06 - 2005.07
Administrator/Research Assistant
NHK Okinawa G8 Summit Office
1999.10 - 2000.06
MA - Asia Pacific Studies
University of Leeds
1998.09 - 1999.09
MA - Development Studies
University of Leeds
1997.09 - 1998.09
Office Manager
Volvo US Military Sales Okinawa
1996.08 - 1997.08
BA - International Studies
Wichita State University
1992.08 - 1996.05
High School Diploma -
Hiroshima San-iku Gakuin High School
1988.04 - 1991.03